“Day 28 (Numbers 28)”

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Memorials

From the beginning of Israel, the secret to their success was their relationship with God characterized by faith and obedience.  The Jews were God’s covenant people, chosen by Him to do His will and ultimately bring the redeemer into the world. Once Israel was settled into the land they had to carefully follow the instruction given. They worshipped the Lord God Almighty. Israel had to bring the right sacrifices at the right time and in the right way, or the Lord would not bless them. Each of these offerings had a different purpose. The ultimate goal was to please the Lord.
 
Each morning and each evening, the priest were to offer a lamb for a burnt offering (Numbers 28:1-10). The burnt offering typified total dedication to the Lord. Shouldn’t we begin each day and end each day by giving ourselves completely to the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).
 
Next, were the monthly offerings (Numbers 28:11-15). On the first of every month, along with  the daily continual burnt offering, the priest were  to offer an additional burnt offering comprised of two young bulls, a ram and seven male lambs a year old, along with the proper meal and drink offerings. A male got was offering as a sin offering. Israel was to make a new start each month.
 
Following there was to be the annual religious events (Number 28:16-29).  These annual events begin with the Passover. Pentecost was celebrated seven weeks after Passover. The seventh month of the Jewish year opened with the Feasts of the Trumpets signaling the beginning of the Jewish civil year. On the tenth day of the month, Israel celebrated the Day of Atonement.  Five days later, the Feast of Tabernacles began and lasted for a week. For each of the events, the priest were instructed offer appropriate sacrifices.
 
Today, we do not celebrate these feast, but each Lord’s Day we celebrate the Lord’s memorial. We remember what He did for us by partaking of the bread. The bread is a memorial of His body. We remember what He did for us by taking the fruit of the vine. The fruit of the vine reminds us of the sacrificial blood He offered for our redemption. His blood paid the ransom price.
 
As then, now we celebrate what God has provided for us and our salvation. Each time we partake ought to be as fresh as the first time. As we grow spiritually each time ought to mean even more to us. In partaking of this memorial we look back to what He has done for us. Also, we look ahead to the great day He will come again.

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